Which place is cheaper, Sapporo or Harbin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Harbin or Sapporo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Harbin and Sapporo can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Harbin or Sapporo?
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
Sapporo
Capital of the northern Japanese island Hokkaido, Sapporo is a city surrounded by mountains and known for its beer, skiing, and annual snow festival with stunning ice sculptures. As host to the 1972 Winter Olympics, the city limits are dotted with ski jumps, hills, and popular ski resorts still in use today.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Harbin Prices
China PricesSapporo Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHarbin $66Sapporo $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Harbin is $66, while the average daily cost in Sapporo is $132. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Harbin and Sapporo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHarbin $21Sapporo $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHarbin $42Sapporo $130
Compare Hotels in Harbin and Sapporo
Looking for a hotel in Harbin or Sapporo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Sapporo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Harbin $1.52Sapporo $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Harbin Volga Manor Private Transfer Service with Entry Tickets: $300
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $198
- Harbin Ice Festival Tickets and Transfer Service : $148
- 4 Hour Private Transfer to Sun Island Snow Sculptures: $100
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin North Railway Station from Harbin City: $100
- Harbin Catholic Church Car Transfer Service: $80
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer, Pick up.: $59
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sapporo
Also for Sapporo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shin Chitose Airport to/from Sapporo City: Shared Transfer: $93
- New Chitose Airport (CTS) Private Transfer: $284
- Sapporo City: Private Transfer to/from New Chitose Airport: $132
- Private Transfer from Sapporo City Hotels to Otaru Cruise Port: $113
- Private Transfer from Muroran Cruise Port to Sapporo Airport(CTS): $274
- Private Departure Transfer : Sapporo City to New Chitose Airport: $237
- Airport Transfer! Hotel in center of Sapporo to New Chitose Airport (CTS): $140
Is it cheaper to fly into Harbin or Sapporo?
Prices for flights to both Sapporo and Harbin change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayHarbin $24Sapporo $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner Show with Costumes and Performances: $29
- Harbin Cultural Tour at Zhongyang Dajie to Baluoke with Dinner: $80
- Central Street, Baluoke Village, and Dinner Tour: $90
- Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
- Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sapporo
For Sapporo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Japanese Cooking Class in Sapporo with Local Host Kanae: $72
- Japanese Cooking Class in the Heart of Sapporo with Sakura: $72
- Private Market Tour and Cooking Class with Kanae, a Sapporo Local: $82
- Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour: $97
- Hands-on Japanese Home Cooking Class in Sapporo with Noriko: $108
- Sapporo Night Food Tour: 3 Hidden Restaurants with a Foodie Guide: $218
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Harbin $53Sapporo $17
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Harbin Igloos Hot Pot Private Tour: $300
- Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice Festival: $261
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $168
- 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
- All-Inclusive Harbin City History and Local Culture Private Day Tour: $300
- Group Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World plus Sun Island Snow Sculpture Festival: $298
- Half Day Tour for Harbin Guandong Ancient Lane and Wood Sculpture Museum: $104
- Half-Day Private Old Harbin Street Walking Tour with Meal: $300
- Harbin City Guided Tour to Zhongyang Street and Sophia Church: $180
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
- Harbin Ice Lantern Show and Center Street Tour: $150
Tours and Activities in Sapporo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sapporo.
- Asahiyama Zoo, Christmas Tree, Fairy Terrace Day Tour | Hokkaido: $100
- 1 Day Ski Tour Package from Sapporo Station: $281
- 1 Day Tour from Sapporo Blue Pond and Hills of Seasonal Colors: $254
- 1 Day Tour to Hill of the Buddha, Sapporo and Sake: $174
- 1-Day Ski Tour Package from Sapporo Station: $288
- 1-Day Walking Tour in Historical Sights of Sapporo: $161
- 2 Day Tour to Icebreaker Mombetsu and Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido: $286
- Authentic Japanese Home Dining Experience in Sapporo with Noriko: $88
- Authentic Nijo Market Seafood Lunch & History Tour: $64
- Autumn Tour from Sapporo Hoheikyo Dam and Hoheikyo Onsen: $174
- Calligraphy Experience Set 60 minute plan: $69
- Daisetsuzan National Park and Kurodake Ropeway Autumn Tour: $88
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHarbin $7.96Sapporo $8.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Harbin
Also in Harbin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Brewery Tour: $250
Sample the Local Flavors in Sapporo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sapporo:
- Sapporo Tour in the Port City of Otaru and Local beer brewery: $174
- 1-Day Tour The port city of Otaru & Local Brewery: $178
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Harbin and Sapporo, we can see that Sapporo is more expensive. And not only is Harbin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Harbin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Harbin and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Sapporo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sapporo than you might in Harbin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Harbin Expensive? and Is Sapporo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Harbin or Sapporo?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Sapporo. When comparing the sizes of Harbin and Sapporo, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Harbin or Sapporo?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Harbin or Sapporo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Harbin and Sapporo. Also, many visitors come to Sapporo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Harbin is a little warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Harbin in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Sapporo averages at about 21°C (69°F).
Harbin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Harbin usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Harbin gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHarbin 24°C (75°F)Sapporo 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Sapporo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Harbin as well as Sapporo. Also, most visitors come to Sapporo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Harbin is generally much colder than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Harbin average around 7°C (44°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It's quite rainy in Sapporo. Harbin usually gets less rain in October than Sapporo. Harbin gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHarbin 7°C (44°F)Sapporo 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Sapporo in the Winter?
Both Sapporo and Harbin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Sapporo can be very cold. Harbin can be very cold during winter. Harbin is much colder than Sapporo in the winter. The daily temperature in Harbin averages around -18°C (-0°F) in January, and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sapporo. In January, Harbin usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Harbin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHarbin -18°C (-0°F)Sapporo -5°C (24°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Sapporo in the Spring?
Both Sapporo and Harbin during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.
In the spring, Harbin is a little warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Harbin in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Sapporo averages at about 7°C (44°F).
Harbin usually gets less rain in April than Sapporo. Harbin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHarbin 8°C (46°F)Sapporo 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Sapporo and Harbin
| Harbin | Sapporo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | -5°C (24°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.